The web process colors are Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK).
While primarily used in print, understanding process colors is important for web design because images often originate in print or need to be prepared for both print and web. CMYK is a subtractive color model used in color printing, describing the process of mixing these four ink colors to create a wide range of colors.
Understanding CMYK:
- Cyan (C): A shade of blue-green.
- Magenta (M): A shade of purplish-red.
- Yellow (Y): A primary color.
- Black (K): Referred to as "Key," often added to enhance contrast and deepen colors.
These colors are printed as tiny dots, and the varying density and overlapping of these dots create the illusion of different colors and shades. While RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the standard color model for the web, knowing about CMYK helps with:
- Preparing images for print: If a website's logo or graphics need to be printed, converting them to CMYK ensures accurate color reproduction.
- Understanding color conversions: Designers often work with tools that allow conversion between RGB and CMYK color spaces. Knowing the basics of both systems allows for better control over color appearance.
Therefore, even though websites are displayed using RGB color models, a foundational understanding of CMYK helps ensure consistent and accurate color representation across different mediums.
